Please allow eBikes and eScooters to ride safely on the Atlanta Beltline

City of Atlanta: Please allow eBikes and eScooters on the Atlanta Beltline by implementing a new set of rules based on courtesy, sound and vehicle speed. Where space allows, please provide a separate path for bikes and scooters while completing the full rail loop. More details: AtlantaRides.org

Today the Beltine is forbidden from eBikes and eScooters, though the rules are not being enforced. Atlanta police are awaiting guidance from the city. Thousands of shared eBikes will arrive in the year ahead. The sooner rules are adjusted to allow more sidewalks to be shared safely, the fewer injuries we'll have from eBikes and eScooters in our roadways. And the better health will have through exercise and reduced exposure to exhaust toxins.

We are recommending that the current restriction on electric mobility vehicles be replaced with the following new rules applying to the Beltline and city sidewalks:

1. Riders shall use slow speeds when near pedestrians. 2. Riders are encouraged to use their voice when approaching from behind, saying "on the left" or "on the right" to inform walkers of their approach.3. Extremely quiet vehicles should add a low decibel sound to alert walkers.4. Loud vehicles are not allowed.5. Carbon burning vehicles are not allowed.6. Vehicles wider than two seats are not allowed.

We also recommend that Atlanta's new shared mobility ordinance include requirements that mobile apps provide a way to report bad driving and poor parking to the operator (Bird, Lime, Jump, etc.) based on the tracked location of the rider at the time of the incident report, or by scanning the ID of the shared mobility vehicle after the rider parks.

Where space allows, please provide a separate path for bikes and scooters

The Atlanta Beltline is the most wonderful escape in the city, but it can also be stressful as children and dogs dart between bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and skaters.

Where space is available (without compromising the rail plans), please add a second pathway - so bikes, scooters and skaters can travel safely, quickly and separately from pedestrians and dogs on leashes, while avoiding the surrounding busy streets. Casual, courteous riding would still be permitted on the walkway.

The walkway could be slightly narrower on new sections. The bike path could then reside on the other side of the grassy transit route. This would allow riders to avoid crossing in front of people boarding transit on the walkway side. Please avoid placing the bike path immediately adjacent to the walking path.

The Beltline ranges from 32 to 60 feet wide. The Berne Street underpass south of Glenwood Park is over 45 feet wide.

We now have the means to create a smart rail corridor where multiple modes share the space safely. Overhead wires are no longer necessary thanks to batteries. Smart transit with safety drivers now stops automatically when people cross its path.

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Today: Atlanta is counting on you

Atlanta Rides needs your help with “City of Atlanta: Please allow eBikes and eScooters on the Atlanta Beltline. Where space is available, please add a side bike path, while moving forward with transit on the entire Beltline loop.”. Join Atlanta and 372 supporters today.

Today: Atlanta is counting on you

Atlanta Rides needs your help with “City of Atlanta: Please allow eBikes and eScooters on the Atlanta Beltline. Where space is available, please add a side bike path, while moving forward with transit on the entire Beltline loop.”. Join Atlanta and 372 supporters today.